Outsole cover

ABSTRACT

A removable form-fitted outsole cover is disclosed for an article of footwear having a specific style and size, wherein the article of footwear has a finished outsole and an upper, the outsole being attached to the upper at an intersection of the outsole to the upper and defining a rim about an outer perimeter of the outsole of the article of footwear. The outsole cover comprises an elastic material especially adapted for attachment to the article of footwear and having a sole and an outer band, the outer band shaped and sized to be adapted for attachment to and conform with the rim of the outsole of the article of footwear and to cover the outsole of the article of footwear.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a outsole cover for an article of footwear, and more particularly, to a outsole cover that covers the outsole of an article of footwear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Footwear has long been an essential element of the human experience and has been available in a wide variety of forms and configurations over the centuries. In more recent years, heavier styles of footwear, such as boots, have become more and more common, not only for their utilitarian benefits, but also for their style and fashion contributions.

A drawback of such footwear is the durability of soles, especially when worn often and/or upon rugged and hard surfaces. Given the significant cost of many articles of footwear, this can be a serious drawback. Also, the appearance of many articles of footwear was often secondary to their functional features and left much to be desired, interfering with their ability to provide a style and fashion statement.

Efforts to improve the durability of footwear included thicker soles. However, these efforts tended to contribute and interfere with the style and fashion contributions of the footwear.

Hence, a solution for improving the durability of footwear designs, while preserving and enhancing the appearance of the article of footwear, at minimal cost which overcomes these drawbacks, would be advantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The outsole cover of the present invention particularly overcomes the foregoing draw-backs of footwear by providing a removable outsole cover made from a single piece of elastomeric material that is form-fitted to the specific configuration of the article of footwear. The outsole cover comprises a single piece of elastic material especially adapted for attachment to the article of footwear and having a sole and an outer band. The outer band is shaped and sized to be adapted for attachment to and conform with the rim of the outsole of the article of footwear having a specific style and size, wherein the outsole cover covers the outsole of the article of footwear.

The benefits of the present invention are a removable form-fitting outsole cover that improves the durability of footwear designs, while also preserving and enhancing the appearance of the footwear, at a minimal cost. Additionally, the present invention presents a low-cost way to markedly alter the appearance of the footwear in a manner desired by the user.

It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide a removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear having a specific style and size, wherein the article of footwear has a finished outsole and an upper, the outsole being attached to the upper at an intersection by beaded stitching or some other method and defining a rim about an outer perimeter of the outsole of the article of footwear, the rim of the outsole having a circumference and the intersection of the upper to the outsole having a circumference less than the circumference of the rim. The outsole cover is comprised of an elastic material especially adapted for attachment to the article of footwear and has a sole and an outer band, the outer band having a rim portion and a lip portion, wherein the rim portion has a circumference and the lip portion has a circumference less than the circumference of the rim portion and wherein the circumference of the lip portion is less than the circumference of the rim. The outer band is thus shaped and sized to be adapted for attachment to and conformance with the rim of the outsole of the article of footwear to cover the outsole of the article of footwear.

Another aspect of the invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover comprised of an integrated single piece of elastic material.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover fabricated from an elastic material that is 100% elastic.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting essentially of natural rubber, silicone rubber, CSM rubber, and blends thereof.

An additional aspect of the present invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover where the lip portion on the outer band has a first texture and the rim portion of the outer band has a second texture, the first and second textures being different.

A still further aspect of the present invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover where the article of footwear is inserted into the outsole cover by stretching the lip portion of the outer band to allow insertion of the rim of the outsole.

A further aspect of the present invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover having different colors on the rim portion of the outer band.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover comprising an inner rim wall and an inner sole, wherein a dual-sided die-cut adhesive sheet is attached to at least a portion of at least one of the inner rim wall and the inner sole.

Another aspect of the present invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear having a specific style and size, wherein the article of footwear has a finished outsole and an upper, the outsole being attached at an intersection to the upper by stitching or some other method and defining a rim about an outer perimeter of the outsole of the article of footwear, the outsole cover comprising an elastic material especially adapted for attachment to the article of footwear and having a sole and an outer band, the outer band shaped and sized to be adapted for attachment to and conform with the rim of the outsole of the article of footwear and covers the outsole of the article of footwear.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover where the rim of the outsole has an outer circumference greater than the circumference of the intersection of the upper to the outsole and the band has a rim portion and a lip portion, wherein the circumference of the lip portion is less than the circumference of the rim portion.

Another aspect of the invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear where the circumference of the lip portion is less than the circumference of the rim.

A yet additional aspect of the present invention is a method of covering an article of footwear having a specific style and size and a finished outsole and an upper, the outsole being attached to the upper at an intersection by stitching or some other method and defining a rim about an outer perimeter of the outsole of the article of footwear, the intersection of the upper to the outsole having a circumference and the rim of the outsole having a circumference greater than the circumference of the intersection, the method comprising the steps of: providing a removable form-fitted outsole cover comprising an elastic material especially adapted for attachment to the footwear and having a sole and an outer band, the outer band having a rim portion and a lip portion, wherein the circumference of the lip portion of the outer band is less than the circumference of the rim portion and the circumference of the lip portion is less than the circumference of the rim; inserting the article of footwear into the outsole cover by stretching the lip portion of the outer band to allow insertion of the rim; and releasing the lip portion of the outer band upon completely inserting the article of footwear into the outsole cover, wherein the outer band attaches to and conforms with the rim of the outsole of the article of footwear to cover the outsole of the article of footwear.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front side perspective view of a removable form-fitted outsole cover attached to an article of footwear having a specific style and size, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear side perspective view of the removable form-fitted outsole cover attached to an article of footwear having a specific style and size, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front side perspective view of a removable form-fitted outsole cover being attached to an article of footwear having a specific style and size, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front side perspective view of the removable form-fitted outsole cover in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the removable form-fitted outsole cover in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the removable form-fitted outsole cover in accordance with the present invention taken along the line VI-VI shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the removable form-fitted outsole cover in accordance with the present invention taken along the line VII-VII shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the removable form-fitted outsole cover in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional and perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the removable form-fitted outsole cover in accordance with the present invention taken along the line IX-IX shown in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1-9. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the present invention is a removable form-fitted outsole cover 10 comprised of a single piece of elastic material especially adapted for attachment to the bottom or outsole 16 of an article of footwear 12. The article of footwear 12, as is known in the art, has a finished upper 14 and a finished outsole 16, as well as a toe 19 and heel 21. The upper 14 is attached to the outsole 16 at an intersection 18 of the upper 14 to the outsole 16, preferably by beaded stitching 13, to define a rim 17 about an outer perimeter of the outsole 16 of the boot 12. However, methods of attachment of the upper 14 to the outsole 16 other than beaded stitching 13, such as an adhesive, may be used. In accordance with the present invention, the rim 17 of the outsole 16 has a circumference greater than the circumference of the intersection 18. While the article of footwear 12 shown in the present specification is configured as a boot, it should be understood that other types and styles of footwear may advantageously enjoy the present invention, including, but not limited to, dress shoes, casual shoes, athletic shoes, work boots, dress boots, sneakers, and hiking boots and shoes. It should also be noted that articles of footwear having outsoles provided with more rugged treads, such as those used in outdoor activities, and defined heels may benefit from the present invention.

Significantly, the outsole cover 10 of the present invention is designed and fitted to attach to a specific article of footwear style and size, regardless of the specific manufacturer. As is known in the art, footwear 12 designs are available in a wide array of styles and sizes, wherein the finished upper 14 and the outsole 16 are modified to obtain a particular functionality and fashion appearance. By designing and fitting the outsole cover 10 of the present invention to attach to a specific style and size of an article of footwear 12, a defined and predetermined style and fashion statement can be uniquely obtained, while also providing protection to the outsole 16 of the boot 12. Further, the outsole cover 10 offers an inexpensive way to markedly alter the appearance of the footwear 12 in a manner desired by the user. In addition, the outsole cover 10 provides an inexpensive method of concealing an otherwise worn or disfigured outsole 16.

The outsole cover 10 is comprised of a sole 20 and an outer band 22 attached to the outer periphery of the sole 20. The outer band 22 is shaped and sized to be adapted for attachment to and conformance with the specific style and size of rim 17 of the outsole 16 of the article of footwear 12. The outer band 22 of the outsole cover 10 comprises a rim portion 24 and a lip portion 26. The circumference of the rim portion 24 is greater than the circumference of the lip portion 26. In turn, the circumference of the lip portion 26 is less than the circumference of the rim 17. The outer band 22 is thus specifically shaped and sized to be adapted for attachment to and conformance with the rim 17 of the outsole 16 of the boot 12 to cover the outsole 16 of the boot 12. Preferably, the outsole cover 10 covers the entire outsole 16 of the boot 12, up to and including the intersection 18 where the upper 14 meets the outsole 16, as shown.

The outsole cover 10 preferably is fabricated from an integrated single piece of elastic material and utilizes an injected molding construction. Of course, other manufacturing techniques may be employed, such as compression molding and vacuum forming. Preferably, the elastic material is 100% elastic and comprises natural rubber, silicone rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber (CSM) (“hypalon”) or blends thereof. These materials are desirable as exhibiting properties important to the practice of the invention, including flexibility and resistance to ozone, sunlight, and oxidation. These materials also provide superior weather ability and resistance to oil, even at high temperatures, as well as resistance to cracking and abrasion from weather, heat, and chemical exposure. Such materials also provide low water absorption.

Moreover, the outsole cover 10 should be pliable in order to be attached to the outsole 16 of the specific style/size of the article of footwear 12, such that the user may readily attach and remove the outsole cover 10 to and from the article of footwear 12, as well as to confidently and safely walk about with the outsole cover 10 securely attached to the article of footwear 12. Thus, the outsole cover 12 covers the entire outsole 16 of the article of footwear 12, preferably up to and including the intersection 18 of the upper 14 to the outsole 16.

In operation, the toe 19 of the article of footwear 12 is inserted into the toebox 30 of the outsole cover 10 by stretching the lip portion 26 of the outer band 22 near the toebox 30 to allow insertion of the rim 17 of the outsole 16 into the outsole cover 10, as best shown in FIG. 3. Once the toe 19 of the article of footwear 12 has been snuggly inserted into toebox 30, the lip portion 26 near the heel portion 32 of the outsole cover 10 is stretched to receive the heel 21 of the article of footwear 12. Once the heel 21 has been inserted into the heel portion 32, the lip portion 26 near the heel portion 32 is released, whereupon the outer band 22 is snuggly attached to and conforms with the rim 24 of the outsole 16 of the article of footwear 16 to preferably cover the entire outsole 16 of the article of footwear 12 up to and including the intersection 18 of the upper 14 to the outsole 16. Of course, the operation described above can instead begin as well with the heel 21 and heel portion 32. Removal of the outsole cover 10 from the article of footwear 12 is simply the foregoing operation in reverse.

It should be appreciated that as well as providing protection to the outsole 16 of the article of footwear 12, the removable form-fitted outsole cover 10 may be provided with a wide variety of style and fashion features that may be used to augment the style and fashion aspects of the article of footwear 12. For instance, the lip portion 26 of the outer band 22 may be given a first texture or surface treatment and the rim portion 24 of the outer band 22 may be given a second, different texture to create contrast and interest. Different colors may also be provided on the rim portion 26 of the outer band 22. Indeed, colors, patterns, and lines along the outer band 26 may be used to generate interesting and desirable styles and appearances.

Also, the lower portion 27 of the sole 20 of the outsole cover 10 may be provided with a wide variety of the tread patterns and designs, such as herringbone, swirls, and cross-hatching, as well as more rugged treads designed for outdoor use.

An alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, where a dual-sided die-cut adhesive sheet 42, cut to conform precisely to either the inner sole 34 of the outsole cover or the inner rim wall 36 of the outer band 22, is provided to further secure the outsole cover 10 to the footwear 12. Preferably, the double-coated, double-sided adhesive sheet of medium tact is Model No, 3M6450-ND, 9786 Tape Dbl Coated, in sheets 8.5 inch by 8.5 inch, manufactured by 3M and fabricated from acrylic, 300MP poly-coated draft liner. The dual-sided die-cut adhesive sheet may be between 0.0097 inch and 0.0042 inch, and is preferably 0.008 inch in thickness for appropriate comfort the user. Preferably, the sheet 42 is attached to at least a portion of at least one of the inner rim wall 36 and the inner sole 34, and, more preferably, to both.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

We claim:
 1. A removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear having a specific style and size, wherein the article of footwear has a finished outsole and an upper, the outsole being attached to the upper at an intersection and defining a rim about an outer perimeter of the outsole of the boot, the rim of the outsole having a circumference and the intersection of the upper to the outsole having a circumference less than the circumference of the rim, the outsole cover comprising an elastic material especially adapted for attachment to the article of footwear and having a sole and an outer band, the outer band having a rim portion and a lip portion, wherein the rim portion has a circumference and the lip portion has a circumference less than the circumference of the rim portion and wherein the circumference of the lip portion is less than the circumference of the rim, the outer band thus being shaped and sized to be adapted for attachment to and conform with the rim of the outsole of the article of footwear to cover the outsole of the article of footwear.
 2. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the outsole cover covers the entire outsole of the article of footwear up to and including the intersection of the upper to the outsole.
 3. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the outsole cover is comprised of an integrated single piece of elastic material.
 4. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the elastic material is 100% elastic.
 5. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the article of footwear is inserted into the outsole cover by stretching the lip portion of the outer band to allow insertion of the rim.
 6. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the material for the outsole cover is selected from the group consisting essentially of natural rubber, silicone rubber, CSM rubber, and blends thereof.
 7. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lip portion of the outer band has a first texture and the rim portion of the outer band has a second texture, and wherein the first and second textures are different.
 8. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein different colors are provided on the rim portion of the outer band.
 9. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 1, the outsole cover further comprising an inner rim wall and an inner sole, wherein a dual-sided die-cut adhesive sheet is attached to at least a portion of at least one of the inner rim wall and the inner sole.
 10. A removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear having a specific style and size, wherein the article of footwear has a finished outsole and an upper, the outsole being attached to the upper at an intersection of the upper to the outsole and defining a rim about an outer perimeter of the outsole of the article of footwear, the outsole cover comprising an elastic material especially adapted for attachment to the article of footwear and having a sole and an outer band, the outer band shaped and sized to be adapted for attachment to and conform with the rim of the outsole of the article of footwear to cover the outsole of the article of footwear.
 11. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the outsole cover covers the entire outsole of the article of footwear up to and including the intersection of the upper to the outsole.
 12. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the article of footwear is inserted into the outsole cover by stretching the lip portion of the outer band to allow insertion of the rim.
 13. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the rim of outsole has an outer circumference greater than the circumference of the intersection of the upper to the outsole and the band has a rim portion and a lip portion, wherein the circumference of the lip portion is less than the circumference of the rim portion.
 14. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the circumference of the lip portion is less than the circumference of the rim.
 15. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the elastic material is 100% elastic.
 16. The removable form-fitted outsole cover for an article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the material for the outsole cover is selected from the group consisting essentially of natural rubber, silicone rubber, CSM rubber, and blends thereof.
 17. A method of covering an article of footwear having a specific style and size and a finished upper and outsole, the upper being attached to the outsole at an intersection between the upper and the outsole, the outsole defining a rim about an outer perimeter of the outsole , the intersection of the outsole to the upper having a circumference and the rim of the outsole having a circumference greater than the circumference of the intersection of the outsole to the upper, the method comprising the steps of: providing a removable form-fitted outsole cover comprising an elastic material especially adapted for attachment to the article of footwear and having a sole and an outer band, the outer band having a rim portion and a lip portion, wherein the circumference of the lip portion of the outer band is less than the circumference of the rim portion and the circumference of the lip portion is less than the circumference of the rim; inserting the article of footwear into the outsole cover by stretching the lip portion of the outer band to allow insertion of the rim; and releasing the lip portion of the outer band upon inserting the article of footwear into the outsole cover, wherein the outer band attaches to and conforms with the rim of the outsole of the article of footwear to cover the outsole of the article of footwear.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the lip portion of the outer band has a first texture and the rim portion of the outer band has a second texture, and wherein the first and second textures are different.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the outsole cover covers the entire outsole of the article of footwear up to and including the intersection of the upper to the outsole.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the material for the outsole cover is selected from the group consisting essentially of natural rubber, silicone rubber, CSM rubber, and blends thereof. 